Description
These apple cider spiced cupcakes offer a nostalgic taste of autumn, featuring a moist, spice-forward sponge and a tangy cream cheese frosting. By reducing fresh apple cider into a concentrated syrup, we pack every bite with intense apple essence, complemented by warm notes of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a thoughtful homemade treat, these cupcakes are the ultimate expression of fall harvest magic.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh apple cider
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Place apple cider in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, then cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tin with liners.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter with the sugars until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, applesauce, vanilla, and the cooled apple cider reduction.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Notes
Ensure your apple cider is unfiltered for the best depth of flavor. If you do not have applesauce, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for added moisture. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg